Gloucester starlets named in England age group squads

The latest England age groups have recently been selected and Gloucester Rugby are delighted to confirm the involvement of the following players.

England U18 - preliminary squad:

Billy Burns - Fly Half - Gloucester Academy - Hartpury College

Ryan Charles - Hooker - Gloucester Academy - Hartpury College

England U19:

Tom Heard - Prop - Gloucester Academy - Hartpury College

Elliot Stooke - Lock - Gloucester Academy - Hartpury College

Steph Reynolds - Gloucester Academy - Hartpury College

England U20:

Koree Britton

Ryan Mills

Dan Robson

Junior Academy Manager Billy Clark paid tribute to the dedication shown by the players to roce their way into contention:

"We're delighted for the guys who have been selected. They've worked hard over the last few years and as a result totally deserve their chance with England.

"Having eight Gloucester Rugby Academy players representing their country this season reflects really well on what we're doing here at the club and importantly shows that our relationship with Hartpury College is reaping rewards.

"The collaborative approach to developing talented players between the Gloucester Rugby Academy and Hartpury College allows these guys to combine their academic commitments with a full time Rugby development programme including a regular, challenging fixture programme.

"Whilst the programme is clearly very tough, the fact that eight guys have progressed onto international honours is evidence that it's working."

Speaking to GRTV in front of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Henry Trinder explained how important the West Country Challenge Cup is going to be for the Cherry and Whites in their preseason preparations.

Speaking to GRTV at preseason training this Tuesday, new signing Willi Heinz gave an update on his recovery from a leg injury and expressed his enjoyment since his arrival in new surroundings with Gloucester Rugby.

Speaking to GRTV after the 22-23 defeat against Bordeaux-Begles which denied Gloucester a place in next season's European Rugby Champions Cup, Nick Wood rued the momentary lapse in concentration which allowed the French side to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

As Gloucester prepare for their 39th game of the season, against Bordeaux-Begles at Sixways on Sunday, David Humphreys told the local media that this week has been all about getting the players mentally and physically ready after a tough game against Connacht last Sunday.

Gloucester Rugby and Scotland scrum half Greig Laidlaw is gearing up for Rugby World Cup with his international teammates, and speaking to the assembled media this week, Laidlaw is excited to be in familiar surroundings at the showcase tournament.

With 50 days to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 gets underway several of the nations that are set to take to the Kingsholm Stadium field during the pool stages were in action in Toronto in Round Three of the Pacific Nations Cup.